Get a motorcycle license

A New York State resident must have a Class M or Class MJ driver license or learner permit to drive a motorcycle. To get a motorcycle license, you must first get a motorcycle learner permit.

Note: If you plan to apply for a motorcycle learner permit and another class of learner permit, apply for the other learner permit first. When you have the other learner permit, you can apply for your motorcycle permit.

You must apply for a motorcycle learner permit at a DMV office. Be sure to

If you do not already have another class of NYS driver license, you must complete a pre-licensing course or a Driver Education course before you can make a road test appointment. A Pre-licensing Course Certificate (MV-278) is valid for one year. A Driver Education Certificate (MV-285) is valid for two years. See Prepare for your road test for more information about these certificates.

You do not need a pre-licensing course or Driver Education certificate if you already have another class of NYS driver license.

How do I get my motorcycle license after I pass my road test?

If you pass the road test, the examiner will issue a temporary motorcycle license to you.

If you do not have another class of NYS driver license, you will receive your motorcycle license with your photo by mail in approximately two weeks after the date of your road test. You do not have to visit a DMV office.

If you already have another class of NYS driver license, wait at least seven days after your road test to apply for your motorcycle license at a DMV office. You must

Both driver license classes will be listed on your new document (for example, Class DM). Your new driver license expires on the same date as your previous one.

The DMV office will issue a temporary driver license without a photo to you. Allow two weeks to receive your photo driver license by mail.

How can I get the motorcycle road test waived?

The DMV will waive the motorcycle road test if you are qualified and you complete an approved course. To get information about approved courses in your area, visit the NYS Motorcycle Safety Program website or call the MSF toll-free at 1-800-446-9227.

To qualify for the waiver you must

be 16 years of age or older

have a valid NYS license (Class A, B, C, D, DJ or E)

have a valid class M or MJ motorcycle learner permit

present a Basic Rider Course completion card issued by the NYS Motorcycle Safety Program within two years of completing the course

You cannot get a waiver for a motorcycle road test if you completed a rider course given in another state.

There are waivers available in some cases for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. 3

Can I drive in NYS with an out-of-state motorcycle license or exchange the license for a NYS motorcycle license?

If you have a valid motorcycle license issued by another state where you are a resident, you can drive motorcycles in New York State.

whether or not you currently have another class of NYS driver license and

your exact age when you apply.

The fees for a Class M or MJ driver license, or to add class M or MJ to your current driver license, can range from $21 to $120, but we cannot calculate your exact fee until you apply.

2. If you do not have another class, your Class M or MJ permit is valid for a maximum of five years. You cannot renew the permit. If your permit expires, you must apply for a new permit and take the written test again.

If you do have another class of NYS driver license, your Class M or MJ permit is valid for one year, and you can renew the permit for one additional year. To get a new permit after a renewal, you must apply for a new permit and take the motorcycle written test again.

3. A member of the US Armed Forces who completes the MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC) through the military while on active duty outside of New York State can qualify to have their military BRC converted into a NY BRC and receive the road test waiver. See the instructions on the web site of the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program or call the MSF at 1-518-384-0045.